Postdoc in Anaerobic Microbial Consortia - DTU Chemical Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering invites applications for Postdoctoral Fellow positions for a European Research Council (ERC) funded project focusing on anaerobic microbiomes for biotechnological applications. The project aims to design and construct tailor‑made microbial communities for the valorisation of biowastes. 

Applicants should have a background in bioinformatics, synthetic microbial communities, microbial interactions, anaerobic microbiology, and fermentation.

The positions are:

• Postdoc in Bioinformatics, requiring a strong background in bioinformatics, experience in Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing and genome centric metagenomics, with focus on microbial metabolism and microbial interactions.
• Postdoc in Microbial Ecology, requiring a background in microbial ecology, with emphasis on genome mapping based on genomic information and metabolic modelling of the anaerobic microbiome. 

Responsibilities 
The successful candidates will join an innovative, collaborative, international and multidisciplinary team. The group works on both fundamental understanding but also development and validation of new technologies based on the use of microorganisms as tools to valorise organic wastes and wastewaters into useful bioproducts, biofuels and bioenergy. One of our important values is cooperation, and we believe that we can reach world-class results together. 

You will be involved to strengthen the Bioconversions group competences within microbiome studies using modern technologies such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and anaerobic mixed cultures design and construction. You will work with nearby colleagues, and with both academic and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad. 

The candidate is expected to:

• Design and execute bioinformatics analysis, i.e. construction of MAGs, determine their metabolic pathways and microbial community interactions using Genome-scale Metabolic Models.
• Be involved in the co-supervision of PhD, MSc and BSc students.
• Present research findings in scientific papers, conferences, public domain and other outreach activities
• Actively contribute to fundraising activities in the department
• Wet lab experience will be highly appreciated

Qualifications
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

The candidate should have the following qualifications:

• The candidate must hold a PhD degree in areas such as Bioinformatics, Microbiology/ Life sciences, Biochemistry, or other relevant to this position.
• Proven ability to work in the following areas:  bioinformatics, computational biology, modern anaerobic microbiology, molecular biology.
• Previous experience in execution of research projects.
• Experience with the supervision and guidance of MSc and BSc students.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Publish high impact articles.
• Able to work both independently and in a team.
• Collaborative international experience.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is 1 September 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Dimitar Karakashev (dbka@kt.dtu.dk) or Konstantinos Papasakellariou (konpa@kt.dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at www.kt.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 May 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.